Information processing unit, power-saving management program, and storage medium stored with the power-saving management program

ABSTRACT

An information processing unit having an auto power-off function includes a mode setting means for setting one mode from a plurality of pre-prepared modes. The pre-prepared modes include a first power-saving mode and a second power-saving mode. Also included are a processing execution means for executing game application or contents replay as internal processing, and a power controlling means for controlling power of the information processing unit. The power controlling means continues power-on in the first power-saving mode and changes to power-off in the second power-saving mode when a non-operated state in which no input operation has been carried out by the user has continued for a predetermined time or longer during execution of the internal processing.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/576,155, filed Oct. 8, 2009, entitled “INFORMATION PROCESSING UNIT,POWER-SAVING MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, AND STORAGE MEDIUM STORED WITH THEPOWER-SAVING MANAGEMENT PROGRAM,” which claims priority from JapanesePatent Application No. 2008-265791, filed on Oct. 14, 2008, the entiredisclosures of which are both hereby fully incorporated by referenceherein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an information processing unit, apower-saving management program, and a storage medium stored with thepower-saving management program.

2. Related Background Art

An information processing unit having an auto power-off function whichmay be set by changing the auto power-off time is well-known. See, forexample, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.2003-99160.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment provides an information processing unit having an autopower-off function, comprising: a mode setting means for setting onemode from a plurality of pre-prepared modes, wherein the pre-preparedmodes include a first power-saving mode and a second power-saving mode;a processing execution means for executing game application or contentsreplay as internal processing, wherein the contents include video, musicor slideshow; and a power controlling means for controlling power of theinformation processing unit, wherein the power controlling meanscontinues power-on in the first power-saving mode and changes topower-off in the second power-saving mode when a non-operated state inwhich no input operation has been carried out by the user has continuedfor a predetermined time or longer during execution of the internalprocessing.

Another embodiment provides a storage medium storing a computer programfor power-saving management, wherein the computer program allows acomputer to execute: a mode setting step of setting one mode from aplurality of pre-prepared modes, wherein the pre-prepared modes includea first power-saving mode and a second power-saving mode; a processingexecution step of executing game application or contents replay asinternal processing, wherein the contents include video, music orslideshow; and a power controlling step of controlling power of theinformation processing unit, wherein the power controlling stepcontinues power-on in the first power-saving mode and changes topower-off in the second power-saving mode when a non-operated state inwhich no input operation has been carried out by the user has continuedfor a predetermined time or longer during execution of the internalprocessing.

Another embodiment provides a power-saving management method,comprising: a mode setting step of setting one mode from a plurality ofpre-prepared modes, wherein the pre-prepare modes include a firstpower-sharing mode and a second power-saving mode; a processingexecution step of executing game application or contents replay asinternal processing, wherein the contents include video, music orslideshow; and a power controlling step of controlling power of theinformation processing unit, wherein the power controlling stepcontinues power-on in the first power-saving mode and changes topower-off in the second power-saving mode when a non-operated state inwhich no input operation has been carried out by the user has continuedfor a predetermined time or longer during execution of the internalprocessing.

Some embodiments of the present invention provide an informationprocessing unit having an auto power-off function. The informationprocessing unit includes a power-saving mode setting means for settingone mode from a plurality of pre-prepared power-saving modes inconformity with input by a user, wherein the plurality of power-savingmodes includes a first mode and a second mode, and the first mode andthe second mode differ in electricity consumption reductioneffectiveness; a non-operation continued time determination means fordetermining whether a non-operated state in which no input operation hasbeen carried out by the user has continued for a predetermined time orlonger; a processing execution means for executing internal processing;and an auto power-off decision means for deciding whether or not toexecute the auto power-off function based on the mode set by the modesetting means and internal processing executed by the processingexecution means when the determination means has determined that thenon-operated state has continued for a predetermined time or longer.

Another embodiment provides an information processing unit having anauto power-off function, comprising: a mode setting means for settingone mode from a plurality of pre-prepared power-saving modes inconformity with input by a user, wherein the plurality of power-savingmodes includes a first mode and a second mode, and the first mode andthe second mode differ in electricity consumption reductioneffectiveness; a determination means for determining whether anon-operated state in which no input operation has been carried out bythe user has continued for a predetermined time or longer; a processingexecution means for executing internal processing; and a decision meansfor deciding whether or not to execute the auto power-off function basedon the mode set by the mode setting means and internal processingexecuted by the processing execution means when the determination meanshas determined that the non-operated state has continued for apredetermined time or longer.

Another embodiment provides a storage medium storing a computer programfor power-saving management, wherein the computer program allows acomputer to execute: a mode setting step of setting one mode from aplurality of pre-prepared power-saving modes in conformity with input bya user, wherein the plurality of power-saving modes includes a firstmode and a second mode, and the first mode and the second mode differ inelectricity consumption reduction effectiveness; a determination step ofdetermining whether a non-operated state in which no input operation hasbeen carried out by the user has continued for a predetermined time orlonger; a processing execution step of executing internal processing;and a decision step for deciding whether or not to execute the autopower-off function based on the mode set in the mode setting step andinternal processing executed in the processing execution step when thenon-operated state is determined in the determination step to havecontinued for a predetermined time or longer.

And another embodiment provides a power-saving management method,comprising: a mode setting step of setting one mode from a plurality ofpre-prepared power-saving modes in conformity with input by a user,wherein the plurality of power-saving modes includes a first mode and asecond mode, and the first mode and the second mode differ inelectricity consumption reduction effectiveness; a determination step ofdetermining whether a non-operated state in which no input operation hasbeen carried out by the user has continued for a predetermined time orlonger; a processing execution step of executing internal processing;and a decision step for deciding whether or not to execute the autopower-off function based on the mode set in the mode setting step andinternal processing executed in the processing execution step when thenon-operated state is determined in the determination step to havecontinued for a predetermined time or longer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an entertainment system of anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a network to which a consolemain unit is connected;

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an external structure of acontroller;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the inner structure of the consolemain unit;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the inner structure of the controller;

FIG. 6 is a table showing correspondence among each internal processingexecuted by the console main unit, types of power saving modes, powerstatus, which is set when a predetermined time has elapsed without thetimer cancellation requirements generating even once during power-on;

FIG. 7 is a table showing contents of timer cancellation requirements;and

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing power-saving management processing.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Various users' demands for the auto power-off function are different.For example, whether or not to want the auto power-off function to beenabled while the same internal processing is being executed by aninformation processing unit varies according to individual users. Thisis an example of a problem to be solved by some embodiments of thepresent invention. There is provided herein one or more embodimentsand/or means that may be used for solving such problem.

Some embodiments of the present invention aim to provide an informationprocessing unit capable of executing an auto power-off function ondemand from individual users through a simple operation input. In someembodiments of the present invention, a simple operation input by anindividual user allows execution of an auto power-off function ondemand. This is an example of a result that may be achieved by someembodiments of the present invention.

Thus, in some embodiments an information processing unit or apparatus,which is capable of executing an auto power-off function on demand byindividual users through a simple operation input, is provided. In someembodiments, a console main unit 10 having an auto power-off function isset to one mode from a plurality of pre-prepared power-saving modes,which include a first mode and a second mode differing in electricityconsumption reduction effectiveness, in conformity with setting input bya user. When a non-operated state in which no input operation has beencarried out by the user is determined to have continued for apredetermined time or longer, a main CPU 64 of the console main unit 10decides whether or not to execute the auto power-off function based onthe set mode and executed internal processing.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

10: entertainment console (console main unit); 20: controller; 64: mainCPU; 65: main memory; 120: portable operation terminal.

[General Structure of the Embodiment]

An entertainment system according to an embodiment of the presentinvention shown in FIG. 1 includes an entertainment console (hereafterreferred to as console main unit) 10, which is an exemplary video gameconsole of an information processing unit or apparatus according to thepresent invention, and a controller 20, which is an operation terminaloperated by a user (player). Information is transmitted and receivedthrough communication between the console main unit 10 and thecontroller 20. The user may arbitrarily select either communicationtherebetween by a wired connection via a USB connecting cable 13 or by awireless connection. Moreover, when a wired connection is establishedbetween the console main unit 10 and the controller 20, the wiredcommunication takes priority over the wireless communication and isalways conducted except for a boot process described later whereas nowireless communication is conducted.

In the example of FIG. 1, the console main unit 10 has multiplecontroller ports 11. For wirelessly connecting the controller 20 and theconsole main unit 10, the USB connecting cable 13 has a plug-inconnector 12 provided on an end inserted into an arbitrary one of thecontroller ports 11 of the console main unit 10 and electricallyconnected, and a plug-in connector 14 provided on the other end insertedinto a connection port 15 of the controller 20 and electricallyconnected. The wired connection method used between the console mainunit 10 and the controller 20 should allow two-way communications, and auniversal serial bus (USB) connection (hereafter referred to as USBconnection) is adopted in this embodiment.

Furthermore, the controller 20 is provided with a wireless communicationunit (antenna) 17 for sending and receiving information through wirelesscommunication between the console maim unit 10 and a wirelesscommunication unit (antenna) 16. There are various communication methodsapplicable between the wireless communication units 16 and 17 such as ageneral purpose short-range, high-speed wireless communication methodsuch as Bluetooth™ or an exclusive short-range, wireless communicationmethod as long as two-way wireless communication is possibletherebetween. Bluetooth™ wireless communication (hereafter referred toas BT communication) is used in this embodiment.

With this entertainment system, instead of or in addition to thecontroller 20, a portable terminal apparatus 120 may be used as anoperation terminal operated by a user. Moreover, wired or wirelessconnections of a keyboard and/or a mouse to the console main unit 10 arepossible, and the keyboard and the mouse may be used as operationterminals.

The portable terminal apparatus 120 is provided with a connection port121 for sending and receiving information through a wired connectionwith the controller port 11 of the console main unit 10, and a wirelesscommunication unit (antenna) 123 for sending and receiving informationthrough wireless communication between the console main unit 10 and awireless communication unit (antenna) 112. Either communication by awired connection or by a wireless connection may be arbitrarily selectedfor connection between the console main unit 10 and the portableterminal apparatus 120. The wired connection method used between theconsole main unit 10 and the portable terminal apparatus 120 shouldallow two-way communications, and a USB connection is adopted in thisembodiment. For wirelessly connecting the portable terminal apparatus120 and the console main unit 10, the USB connecting cable 13 has aplug-in connector 12 provided on an end inserted into an arbitrary oneof the controller ports 11 of the console main unit 10 and electricallyconnected, and a plug-in connector 14 provided on the other end insertedinto the connection port 121 of the portable terminal apparatus 120 andelectrically connected. Moreover, there are various communicationmethods applicable between both wireless communication units 122 and 123such as a general purpose short-range, high-speed wireless communicationmethod such as wireless LAN and an exclusive short-range, wirelesscommunication method as long as two-way wireless communication ispossible therebetween. IEEE 802.11 wireless communication (hereafterreferred to as wireless LAN communication) is adopted in thisembodiment. Note that operating the console main unit through wirelessLAN communication using the portable terminal apparatus 120 is calledremote play in the following description.

As shown in FIG. 2, the console main unit 10 is connected to theInternet 131 via a relay unit (e.g., a terminal adaptor or router) 130,and sends and receives information through two-way communication with anexternal server 132 and the like via the Internet 131. Moreover, two-waycommunication between the portable terminal apparatus 120 and theconsole main unit 10 is possible through wireless LAN communicationbetween the portable terminal apparatus 120 and a wireless LAN accesspoint 133 connected to the Internet 131. For example, a user who hasleft a building 134 in which the console main unit 10 is installed mayperform remote play by connecting the portable terminal apparatus 120 tothe console main unit 10 via the access point 133, which is availableaway from the building, the Internet 131, and the relay unit 130.

[Overall Structure of Entertainment System]

The entertainment system shown in FIG. 1 is constituted by the consolemain unit 10, the controller 20, and a monitor device (e.g., televisionreceiver) 100 to which images and audio signals are supplied from theconsole main unit 10. The monitor device 100 has an image display unit101 for displaying the images based on the audio signals supplied fromthe console main unit 10.

[General Description of Console Main Unit]

In addition to the above-mentioned controller ports 11 and the wirelesscommunication units 16 and 122, the console main unit 10 is providedwith a memory card slot in which a memory card may be inserted/ejected,a disk tray, an open/close button (eject button) for opening and closingthe disk tray, an on/standby/reset button for turning power-on, intostandby mode, or reset, an audio-video output terminal (AV multi-outputterminal), a PC card slot, an optical digital output terminal, an IEEE(Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 1394 connectionterminal, a power switch, and an AC power input terminal not shown inthe drawing.

The console main unit 10 is set to either an on state (completeactivated state) or an off state. The off state includes normal offstates (standby state and sleep state) and complete off state (completestop state), and the console main unit 10 is set to any one of the threestates: on state, normal off state, and complete off state. Note that inthe following description, changing from the normal off state to the onstate is called activation.

By operating a power switch, the console main unit 10 is switched overfrom the on state to the complete off state. The console main unit 10 inthe on state is switched over from the on state to the normal off stateby operating an on/standby/reset button. Note that in the followingdescription, the on state is called power-on, and the normal off stateis called power-off.

Switching between power-on and power-off of the console main unit 10 isalso possible by operation input from the controller 20. For example,when the state of the console main unit 10 is in power-on, it isswitched over to power-off by operating the controller 20 to display amenu screen on the monitor device 100 and select and determine an itemof ‘turn off main unit power’ within the menu. Moreover, when the stateof the console main unit 10 is in power-off, it is activated bydepressing a start button 53 (shown in FIG. 2) described later of thecontroller 20.

Meanwhile, even if the portable terminal apparatus 120 transmits anactivate request signal for switching over the console main unit 10 frompower-off to power-on, a certain model of the relay unit 130 may nottransmit that active request signal to the console main unit 10. Whensuch a model of the relay unit 130 is connected to the console main unit10, and if the console main unit 10 is switched over from power-on topower-off through remote play, the console main unit 10 may not beactivated through remote play. This is inconvenient for the userperforming remote play away from the building. Therefore, switching overthe console main unit 10 from power-on to power-off through remote playis prohibited.

The console main unit 10 has functions of executing various internalprocessing such as game application execution, video/music/slide showplayback, single photo display, video chatting, printing, browserexecution, background download, foreground download, program downloadand upload, data copy and deletion, format, backup, and restoration ofinternal memory such as HDD, and broadcast program recording.

In game application execution, a video game is executed in conformitywith an input operation by the user based on a video game program storedin various storage media (hereinafter simply referred to as storagemedia) such as internal memory such as HDD, for example, disk mediumsuch as a DVD-ROM or CD-ROM, other tangible storage media, etc. Invideo/music playback, video data and audio data stored on a storagemedium is reproduced (decoded). In slideshow playback, static image datastored in the storage medium is changed over every predetermined timeand displayed on the monitor device 100. In printing, a print controlsignal is output to a printer (omitted from the drawings) connected tothe console main unit 10 so as for the printer to perform printing. Insingle photo display, static image data stored in the storage medium isdisplayed on the monitor device 100. In video chatting, video and soundinput from a camera and microphone (omitted from the drawings) connectedto the console main unit 10 are transmitted and received to/from aterminal device of a communication partner (e.g., another entertainmentconsole) via the Internet 131 so as to conduct a conversation betweenthe user of the terminal console 10 and the communication partner. Inbackground and foreground download, data is downloaded by an externalserver 132 via the Internet 131, for example. In background download,when the console main unit 10 is switched over from power-on topower-off in the middle of downloading, the downloading is temporarilyinterrupted, and is restarted upon reactivation of the console main unit10. On the other hand, in foreground download, when the console mainunit 10 is switched over from power-on to power-off in the middle ofdownloading, the downloading is ended in the middle, and is notrestarted even if the console main unit 10 is reactivated. Note thatwhether downloading is carried out either in the foreground or thebackground is determined according to input operation by the user. Inbroadcast program recording, a broadcast program received via abroadcasting reception cable (omitted from the drawings) is recordedbased on an application program for broadcast program recording. Theapplication program for broadcast program recording is a program for areserve and record function, which reserves and records a desiredprogram by pre-storing recording start and end times and recordingchannel, for example.

Note that the above-mentioned application program and video/audio dataare read from not only disk media but also from semiconductor memory andtape media. It may also be supplied from a wired or wireless wide-areaor intra-area communication line (e.g., the Internet 131).

Moreover, the console main unit 10 has an auto power-off function,selectively being set to either a normal mode (non-power-saving mode) ora power-saving mode (auto power-off mode), which allows reduction inelectricity consumption, in conformity with a setting input by the user.In the power-saving mode, power-on is forcibly switched over topower-off (auto power-off) when a predetermined period has elapsedduring power-on without timer cancellation requirements described lateroccurring even once. Meanwhile, in the normal mode, power-on ismaintained regardless of occurrence of the timer cancellationrequirements.

The power-saving mode includes two modes: a first power-saving mode anda second power-saving mode, which differ in electricity consumptionreduction effectiveness. The console main unit 10 is selectively set toeither of the power-saving modes in conformity with a setting input bythe user. Namely, the user may appropriately set to one of the threemodes regarding electricity consumption: the normal mode, the firstpower-saving mode, and the second power-saving mode.

The first power-saving mode is a mode allowing both reduction ofelectricity consumption and convenience for the user, and the secondpower-saving mode is a mode giving top priority to reduction inelectricity consumption. The various types of internal processingexecuted by the console main unit 10 are classified into the followingfour groups according to setting of the first power-saving mode and thesecond power-saving mode. The first group includes internal processingwhich has little possibility of a defect occurring with the console mainunit 10, and little decrease in convenience for the user even if it isswitched over to power-off while executing the internal processing. Thesecond group includes internal processing which has little possibilityof a defect occurring with the console main unit 10 even if it isswitched over to power-off while executing the internal processing, butconvenience for the user decreases. The third group includes internalprocessing which has a high possibility of a defect occurring with theconsole main unit 10 or convenience for the user decreases remarkablywhen it is switched over to power-off while executing the internalprocessing. The fourth group includes internal processing not belongingto any of the first to the third groups.

In the first power-saving mode, when a predetermined period has elapsedwithout timer cancellation requirements occurring even once duringpower-on, the auto power-off function becomes effective and switchesover to power-off while the internal processing of the first group areexecuted; on the other hand the auto power-off function becomesineffective and power-on is maintained while the internal processing ofthe second and the third group are executed. Moreover, in the secondpower-saving mode, when a predetermined period has elapsed without timercancellation requirements occurring even once during power-on, the autopower-off function becomes effective and switches over to power-offwhile the internal processing of the first and the second group areexecuted; on the other hand the auto power-off function becomesineffective and power-on is maintained while the internal processing ofthe third group are executed. In other words, the first power-savingmode has better convenience for the user than the second power-savingmode, and the second power-saving mode has greater reduction inelectricity consumption than the first power-saving mode. In the case ofthe fourth group, it is switched over to power-off in conformity withthe respective internal processing.

Note that while the internal processing is classified into three basicgroups (first to third groups) and an additional fourth group and asecond stage power-saving mode is provided with this embodiment, theinternal processing may be classified into four or more basic groups,and three or more power-saving modes may be provided. Various methodsfor classification of the internal processing into four or more basicgroups are available, such as, for example, dividing the influence ofpower-off on convenience for the user into three or more stages,dividing the influence of power-off on the console main unit 10 intothree or more stages, or combining other judgment factors.

Moreover, switching the console main unit 10 (main CPU 64 describedlater) over to power-off while the application program is being executedis carried out after termination processing for the application program.For example, switching over to power-off while the application programis being executed is carried out after termination processing such asstoring data for saving the state of the game application at the time ofswitch-over.

[Exterior of Controller]

The exterior of the controller 20 is briefly described with reference toFIG. 3.

The controller 20 includes the above-mentioned connection port 15 forUSB connection with the console main unit 10, the above-mentionedwireless communication unit 17 for BT communication with the consolemain unit 10, and the display unit 21.

The controller 20 is provided with a right operation part 31 and a leftoperation part 32 respectively operable by the user's right and leftthumbs when the user is gripping the controller 20 in the right and lefthands, a right analog operation part 33 and a left analog operation part34 respectively capable of analog operation also by the right and leftthumbs, a first right push button 35 and a first left push button 36respectively pushed by the right and left index fingers, and a secondright push button 37 and a second left push button 38 respectivelypushed by the right and left middle fingers.

The left operation part 32 is provided with an up command button 41, adown command button 42, a left command button 43, and a right commandbutton 44 used when the user performs a manipulation such as moving thegame character on the screen, for example. Furthermore, the rightoperation part 31 is provided with first through fourth operationbuttons 45 to 48 to which are assigned different functions according tothe game application such as setting or executing a function of a gamecharacter, for example.

The above-mentioned analog operation parts 33 and 34 are respectivelyprovided with a right and a left rotational operation part (omitted fromthe drawing), which can rotate 360 degrees around an operational axisand return to a neutral position by a flexible member when not inoperation, and a signal generator (omitted from the drawing), whichgenerates signal in conformity with operation of these right and leftrotational operation parts. The signal generator generates rotationangle signals indicating rotation positions (rotation angles) of therotational operation parts around the operational axis, and tiltingangle signals indicating tilting angles of the rotational operationparts from the neutral position.

The above-mentioned analog operation parts 33 and 34 are used byrotating the right and left rotational operation parts for moving thegame characters while rotating or while varying speed, and for enteringcommand signals for analog movements such as changing form.

Moreover, the controller 20 has an on/off button 51, a home button 52,and a start button 53.

The on/off button 51 is to be pressed to change the power source of thecontroller 20 between an on state and an off state, where the controller20 in the off state changes to the on state by depression of the on/offbutton 51.

The home button 52 is to be pressed to start communication with theconsole main unit 10, and to make the console main unit 10 startprocessing for displaying a menu screen on an image display unit 101.Displaying the menu screen by the console main unit 10 is performed bypriority by interrupting other running application programs.Furthermore, the menu screen is displayed even when the home button 52is depressed, starting communication between the controller 20 and theconsole main unit 10.

The start button 53 is to be pressed to activate the console main unit10 in power-off so as to switch over to power-on. Note that anotherbutton other than the start button 53 may be pressed to activate theconsole main unit 10 in power-off so as to switch over to power-on.

The display unit 21 is, for example, a liquid crystal display panel, anorganic or inorganic electroluminescence (EL) panel, a segment display,or a light-emitting diode (LED) that the user can see.

[Internal Circuit Structure of Console Main Unit]

FIG. 4 shows a main internal structure of the console main unit 10.

As shown in FIG. 4, the console main unit 10 has a main bus 61 and asub-bus 62, which are either connected or disconnected from each othervia a bus interface 63.

A main CPU 64, volatile main memory 65 constituted by DRAM, a maindirect memory access controller (DMAC) 66, and a graphic processing unit(GPU) 68 including frame memory 67 are connected to the main bus 61. ACRT controller (CRTC) 69, which is a control means for generating videooutput signals, is connected to the GPU 68. An image according to videooutput signals is displayed on a predetermined display unit (the imagedisplay unit 101 of the monitor device 100 in this embodiment) connectedto the console main unit 10 via a cable or the like.

The main CPU 64 reads a boot program from ROM 70 on the sub-bus 62 viathe bus interface 63 when the console main unit 10 starts running,executes that boot program, and then runs an operating system. It thenreads out various programs including a configuration program for mainunit functions and a power saving management program from the mainmemory 65 on the main bus 61. The configuration program for main unitfunctions includes a power-saving mode setting program. Moreover, themain CPU 64 controls a media drive 71, reads the application program ordata from a medium 72 loaded into the media drive 71, and stores it inthe main memory 65. Furthermore, geometric processing is carried out forvarious types of data read out from the medium 72, such asthree-dimensional object data (coordinate values of a polygon vertex(representative point)) constituted by multiple basic figures(polygons). A display list including contents of polygon definitioninformation is generated through the geometric processing. Moreover,data compressed using the moving picture experts group (MPEG) method orthe joint photographic experts group (JPEG) method is decompressed. Inother words, the main CPU 64 has an information deciphering function fordeciphering information using software.

The polygon definition information includes drawing area settinginformation and polygon information. The drawing area settinginformation includes offset coordinates relative to the frame bufferaddress of a drawing area and coordinates in a drawing clipping area forcanceling drawing when coordinates of a polygon exist outside of thedrawing area. The polygon information includes polygon attributeinformation and vertex information; wherein the polygon attributeinformation includes information specifying shading mode, a blendingmode, texture mapping mode, and the like, and vertex informationincludes information of coordinates within the vertex drawing area,coordinates within a vertex texture area, and vertex color.

The GPU 68 is stored with drawing contexts, reads out an appropriatedrawing context based on image context identification informationincluded in the display list informed from the main CPU 64, rendersbased thereupon, and draws a polygon in the frame memory 67. The framememory 67 may also be used as texture memory, and thus a pixel image inthe frame memory 67 may be applied to the polygon drawn as texture.

The main DMAC 66 controls DMA transfer for respective circuits connectedto the main bus 61, and controls DMA transfer for respective circuitsconnected to the sub-bus 62 in conformity with status of the businterface 63.

A USB connection controller ID registration table and a BT connectioncontroller ID registration table for registering unique IDs for thecontrollers 20 are preset in the main memory 65. Transmission andreception of information to/from the controllers 20, which correspond tounique IDs registered in the USB connection controller ID registrationtable, through communication by a USB connection is possible, andtransmission and reception of information to/from the controllers 20,which correspond to the unique IDs registered in the BT connectioncontroller ID registration table, through communication by a BTconnection is possible. Here, the state (logical layer connection state)allowing transmission and reception of information to/from thecontrollers 20 is one which allows the console main unit 10 to receivefrom the controller 20 information corresponding to the operation inputby the user when the user has operated the aforementioned various typesof input buttons 33, 34, 35 to 38, 41 to 48, and 51 to 53 of thecontroller 20, and then recognize which controller 20 sent the receivedinformation, and which allows the main CPU 64 to execute predeterminedprocessing in conformity with the received information. Moreover, astandby time storage region and a mode type storage region are preparedin the main memory 65. Standby time (time that the console main unit 10continues to be power-on as long as an instruction to switch over topower-off is not input by the user) set by the user is stored in thestandby time storage region. Mode type information corresponding to typeof mode (any one of normal mode, first power-saving mode, or secondpower-saving mode) set by the user is stored in the mode type storageregion.

A system controller 73 constituted by a microprocessor or the like, anonvolatile sub-memory 74 constituted by flash memory or the like, asub-DMAC 75, the ROM 70 stored with programs such as an operatingprogram, a sound processing unit (SPU) 77, which reads out sound datastored in sound memory 76 and outputs it as audio output, a south bridge(SB) 54 constituted by a group of circuits managing delivery of dataamong a USB communication module 78, a BT communication module 79, andother components (e.g., the system controller 72 or the sub-memory 74),a media drive 71 for loading a predetermined medium 72, and a keyboard80 are connected to the sub-bus 62. The medium 72 is a storage mediumsuch as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM or other tangible storage medium stored withan image processing program. The console main unit 10 reads this imageprocessing program to execute necessary entertainment processing. TheUSB communication module 78 includes the controller ports 11 (shown inFIG. 1), and transmits and receives information to/from the controller20 via the USB connecting cable 13 through wired communication. The BTcommunication module 79 includes the wireless communication unit 16(shown in FIG. 1), and transmits and receives information to/from thecontroller 20 through BT wireless communication.

The system controller 73 carries out various operations including theboot process described later in conformity with the program stored inthe ROM 70. Moreover, the system controller 73 bypasses the south bridge54, directly connecting to the BT communication module 79. As a result,even if the south bridge 54 is stopped during power-off, when the BTcommunication module 79 receives a physical layer connection requestsignal from the controller 20, this physical layer connection requestsignal is transmitted to the system controller 73. The sub-DMAC 75controls DMA transfer for respective circuits connected to the sub-bus62 only when the bus interface 63 has disconnected the main bus 61 fromthe sub-bus 62.

With power-off, only the system controller 73 and the BT communicationmodule 79 are activated, and the other components such as the main CPU64 are stopped. In this state, the BT communication module 79 mayreceive a physical layer connection request signal from the controller20. Moreover, when the console main unit 10 in power-off receives aninstruction to switch over to power-on, the system controller 73 startsthe boot process of activating suspended components such as the main CPU64. In the boot process, the main CPU 64 reads a boot program from ROM70 on the sub-bus 62 via the bus interface 63, executes that bootprogram, and then runs an operating system. It then sequentially readsout programs such as a BT driver, a USB driver, and a controllerconnection management program from the main memory 65 on the main bus61. The programs read in and run by the CPU at the time of the bootprocess are preset, and by running all of the preset programs,activation of the main CPU 64 is completed. Moreover, in the bootprocess, the USB communication module 78 and the south bridge 54 areactivated before activation of the main CPU 64 begins. Furthermore, themain CPU 64 reads in and runs the controller connection managementprogram after reading in and running the BT driver and the USB driver.

Moreover, once the BT communication module 79 receives the physicallayer connection request signal from the controller 20, it transmits aphysical layer connection enabling signal to the controller 20,establishing a state allowing inter-logical layer transmission andreception of data to/from the controller 20 through wirelesscommunication.

[Internal Structure of Controller]

FIG. 5 shows a main internal structure of the controller 20.

In FIG. 5, the controller 20 has a CPU 81, nonvolatile main memory 82constituted by DRAM, a battery 83, a tilting sensor 84, a vibratingelement 85, a speaker 86, operation keys 87, the display unit (segmentdisplay or LED) 21, a USB communication module 88, a BT communicationmodule 89, and nonvolatile sub-memory 91 constituted by flash memory orthe like, which are connected via a bus 90. The operation keys 87 refercollectively to the above-mentioned various types of input buttons 33,34, 35 to 38, 41 to 48, and 51 to 53 provided on the controller 20.

The CPU 81 reads a boot program in from the sub-memory 91 whenactivating the controller 20 and then executes the boot program.Moreover, the CPU 81 performs display control for keeping the displayunit 21 in a predetermined light emitting status, audio control forcontrolling audio output to the speaker 86, and vibration control forproviding vibration to the controller 20 by driving the vibratingelement 85.

Furthermore, once the home button 52 or the start button 53 isdepressed, the CPU 81 generates a physical layer connection requestsignal and transmits it to the console main unit 10 from the BTcommunication module 89.

The USB communication module 88 transmits and receives informationto/from the console main unit 10 via the USB connecting cable 13 throughwired communication while the BT communication module 89 wirelesslytransmits and receives information to/from the console main unit 10through BT communication. The USB communication module 88 includes theconnection port 15 (shown in FIG. 1) while the BT communication module89 includes a wireless communication unit 17 (shown in FIG. 1). Only oneof the connection port 15 of the USB communication module 88 and thewireless communication unit 17 of the BT communication module 89 may beselectively used as a communication path, and which communication pathis to be used is set by the CPU 81. Basically, in the state where thecontroller 20 and the console main unit 10 are connected by the USBconnecting cable 13, the USB communication module 88 is selected and setas the communication path.

However, even in the state where the controller 20 and the console mainunit 10 are connected by the USB connecting cable 13, the BTcommunication module 89 is selected and set as the communication pathwhen the start button 53 is depressed. Then, once a wireless connectioncompletion is established between the BT communication module 89 and theconsole main unit 10, the CPU 81 switches the communication path overfrom the BT communication module 89 to the USB communication module 88.In this manner, even when the USB connecting cable 13 is connectedthereto, the BT communication module 89 is set as the communicationpath. This is because there is a high possibility that the console mainunit 10 is power-off when the start button 53 is depressed, andtransmission and reception of data through USB communication is thusimpossible until the USB communication module 78 is activated or themain CPU 64 completes reading in and running the USB driver while theconsole main unit 10 is power-off. Once a wireless connection completionis established between the BT communication module 89 and the consolemain unit 10, this means activation of the USB communication module 78and read in and running of the USB driver by the main CPU 64 arecompleted, and USB communication is available.

Moreover, the sub-memory 91 is pre-stored with a unique ID as terminalidentification information uniquely given to each controller 20. The CPU81 reads out a unique ID from the sub-memory 91 at a predeterminedtiming, and transmits the unique ID to the console main unit 10 fromeither the USB communication module 88 or the BT communication module89.

Furthermore, the CPU 81 generates a preset command signal in conformitywith an operation input to the operation keys 87 by the user, andtransmits the generated command signal to the console main unit 10 fromthe USB communication module 88 or the BT communication module 89. Morespecifically, when the home button 52 and at least one of the otherinput buttons 33, 34, 35 to 38, 41 to 48, and 53 are depressed at thesame time, the CPU 81 transmits to the console main unit 10 a specificprocessing execution command signal corresponding to the depressedbutton combination. Note that when the analog operation parts 33 and 34are operated, the CPU 81 transmits the rotation angle signals and thetilting angle signals generated by the signal generator.

Note that the USB connecting cable 13 (shown in FIG. 1) connecting thecontroller 20 to the console main unit 10 includes a power line, andwith a USB connection status, the console main unit 10 supplies power tothe controller 20 via the power line, thereby charging the battery 83.

The tilting sensor 92 is constituted by an acceleration sensor, whichdetects triaxial acceleration, for example, and an angular velocitysensor, which detects uniaxial angular velocity, and detected valuesfrom the respective sensors are transmitted to the console main unit 10from the USB communication module 88 or the BT communication module 89.The console main unit 10 detects whether or not the detected value ofthe tilting sensor 92 transmitted by the controller 20 has changed, andin the case that it has changed, it determines that orientation of thecontroller 20 has changed. Note that the tilting sensor 92 is notlimited to above-given configuration, and may have another structuresuch as providing an angular velocity sensor for detecting angularvelocity around another axis instead of the acceleration sensor as longas it can detect change in orientation of the controller 20.

[General Structure of Portable Terminal Apparatus]

The portable terminal apparatus 120 is a small information processingunit having a function of a video game console similar to the consolemain unit 10, and a function as an operation terminal similar to thecontroller 20. In the same manner as the connection port 121, thewireless communication unit 123, and the controller 20, a rightoperation part 31 and a left operation part 32, a first right pushbutton 35 and a first left push button 36, and a home button 52 areprovided as operation keys on the outer surface of the portable terminalapparatus 120. When the user performs an operation input of an operationkey at the time of remote play, the portable terminal apparatus 120transmits a command signal corresponding to the operated operation keyto the console main unit 10.

Moreover, the portable terminal apparatus 120 includes a display panel124 integrally. The display unit 124 is, for example, a liquid crystaldisplay panel, an organic or inorganic electroluminescence (EL) panel,or the like that the user can see. At the time of remote play, theconsole main unit 10 also transmits to the portable terminal apparatus120 an image signal supplied to the monitor device 100. The main CPU(omitted from the drawings) of the portable terminal apparatus 120displays on the display panel 124 an image based on the image signalreceived from the console main unit 10. Namely, at the time of remoteplay, the same image as displayed on the monitor device 100 is displayedon the display panel 124, and the user performs operation input to theconsole main unit 10 by operating the operation keys of the portableterminal apparatus 120 while looking at display on the display panel124.

[Description of Power-Saving Mode Setting Process]

The main CPU 64 of the console main unit 10 executes power-saving modesetting process in conformity with a power-saving mode setting programstored in the main memory 65. Note that since input operation by theuser with the controller 20 and the portable terminal apparatus 120 arethe same, the following description is about the case of using thecontroller 120 and omits description of case of using the portableterminal apparatus 120. Moreover, since the display control target forthe console main unit 10 is the monitor device 100, and the operationinput target for the user is the controller 20, description of therespective operation targets shall be appropriately omitted from thedescription.

Setting of power-saving mode is started by the user inputting apower-saving mode setting instruction to the controller 20. Morespecifically, the user performs a predetermined input operation to thecontroller 20 to display a menu screen on the monitor device 100, andselects and decides on an entry (icon) written ‘power-saving setting’ inthe menu. The console main unit 10 which has received a signalcorresponding to this decision input displays entries of ‘main unitautomatic power-off’ and ‘controller automatic power-off’. When the userperforms a predetermined input operation to the controller 20 to selectand decide on the entry written ‘main unit automatic power-off’, themain CPU 64 of the console main unit 10 having received thecorresponding input operation begins the power-saving mode settingprocess.

Once the power-saving mode setting process begins, the console main unit10 arranges entries of ‘1 hour’, ‘2 hours’, ‘3 hours’, and ‘4 hours’indicating four stages of standby time, and entry of ‘switch off’indicating change to the normal mode. When the user performs apredetermined input operation to select and decide on any one of theentries of ‘1 hour’, ‘2 hours’, ‘3 hours’, or ‘4 hours’ (entry otherthan ‘switch off’), the console main unit 10 having received a signalcorresponding to the input operation stores a standby time (standby timeselected by the user) corresponding to the received signal in thestandby time storage region of the main memory 65, and displays acheckbox and a decision icon for setting the second power-saving mode. Atext, such as ‘shut down power automatically even if some functions areoperating’, for example, reporting that it is a checkbox for setting thesecond power-saving mode is displayed near the checkbox. In addition,‘OK’, for example, is displayed near the decision icon.

When the user performs predetermined input operations to select anddecide on the checkbox and then select and decide on the decision icon,the console main unit 10 having received signals corresponding to thesedecision inputs stores mode type information indicating the secondpower-saving mode in the mode type storage region of the main memory 65,and concludes this process. On the other hand, when the user performsthe predetermined input operation to select and decide on the decisionicon without selecting the checkbox, the console main unit 10 havingreceived a signal corresponding to this decision input stores mode typeinformation indicating the first power-saving mode in the mode typestorage region of the main memory 65, and concludes this process.

Alternatively, when the user performs a predetermined input operation toselect and decide on the entry of ‘switch off’ when five entries of ‘1hour’, ‘2 hours’, ‘3 hours’, ‘4 hours’, and ‘5 hours’ are displayed, theconsole main unit 10 having received a signal corresponding to thisdecision input deletes (clears) the mode type information stored in themode type storage region of the main memory 65, and concludes thisprocess.

Note that initial setting (default setting) is the normal mode, and nomode type information is stored in the mode type storage region.

[Description of Correspondences of Internal Processing, Power-SavingMode Types, and Conditions for Switching to Power-Off]

Correspondences of internal processing, types of power-saving mode, andconditions for switching to power-off are described with reference toFIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a table showing correspondences of each internalprocessing executed by the console main unit 10, set types of powersaving modes (first power-saving mode and second power-saving mode),power status, which is set when a predetermined time has elapsed withoutthe timer cancellation requirements generating even once during power-on(power-on continuation or power-off continuation). Note that thesecorrespondences are pre-included in the power-saving management program.Moreover, in the following description, numbers within parentheses arethose given in FIG. 6.

In the power-saving modes, the respective various types of internalprocessing executed by the console main unit 10 are classified into afirst through a third group (basic groups) and a fourth group includingthe other processing.

The first group includes internal processing which has littlepossibility of a defect occurring with the console main unit 10, andwhich may cause little decrease in convenience for the user even if itis switched over to power-off when a predetermined time has elapsedwithout the timer cancellation requirements generating even once duringpower-on. More specifically, the first group includes (6) during solestandby for video chat, (7) during pause of video/music/slideshow, (8)during single photo display, (9) during browser execution, and (10)during background download. Note that the reason why (10) ‘duringbackground download’ is included in this group is because when theconsole main unit 10 is switched over from power-on to power-off in themiddle of downloading, the downloading is temporarily interrupted, andis restarted upon reactivation of the console main unit 10, and thusconvenience for the user does not decrease remarkably.

The second group includes internal processing which has littlepossibility of a defect occurring with the console main unit 10 even ifit is switched over to power-off, but convenience for the userdecreases. More specifically, the second group includes (1) during gameapplication execution, (2) during video/music/slideshow playback, (3)during video chat, (4) while printing, and (5) during standby for remoteplay. Note that (5) ‘during standby for remote play’ is a state in whichthe console main unit 10 is set capable of receiving a connectionrequest signal for remote play from the portable terminal apparatus 120,and is state in which the other types of internal processing (any of theprocessing (1) to (4) and (6) to (14)) are not executed yet throughremote play. The reason why the ‘during standby for remote play’ belongsto this group is because some type of relay units 130 do not transmit tothe console main unit 10 an activation request signal for switching overthe console main unit 10 from power-off to power-on even if the portableterminal apparatus 120 transmits the activation request signal, and ifsuch type of a relay unit 130 is connected to the console main unit 10and when the console main unit 10 is switched over from power-on topower-off through remote play, activation of the console main unit 10through remote play is no longer possible, resulting in lack ofconvenience for the user performing remote play away from the building.

The third group includes internal processing which has high possibilityof a defect occurring with the console main unit 10 or convenience forthe user decreases remarkably when it is switched over to power-off.More specifically, (11) during foreground download, (12) whileinstalling/updating, (13) while copying/deleting, (14) whileformatting/backing up/restoring, and (15) while broadcast programrecording belong to this group. Note that the reason why (11) duringforeground download belongs to this group is because once the consolemain unit 10 is switched over from power-on to power-off in the middleof downloading, the downloading is ended in the middle, and is notrestarted even if the console main unit 10 is reactivated. Moreover, thereason why (15) while broadcast program recording belongs to this groupis because when recording a program having a longer broadcast time thanthe standby time, switching over to power-off during recording isremarkably inconvenient for the user.

In the first power-saving mode, when a predetermined period (standbytime stored in the standby time storage region) has elapsed withouttimer cancellation requirements occurring even once during power-on, andif the internal processing of the first group is in execution, power-onis switched over to power-off. Meanwhile, if the internal processing ofthe second and the third group is in execution, power-on is maintained.

In the second power-saving mode, when a predetermined period has elapsedwithout timer cancellation requirements occurring even once duringpower-on, and if the internal processing of the first and the secondgroup is in execution, power-on is switched over to power-off.Meanwhile, if the internal processing of the third group is inexecution, power-on is maintained.

Moreover, (16) during remote play execution belongs to the fourth group.During remote play execution in the first power-saving mode, when apredetermined period has elapsed without timer cancellation requirementsoccurring even once during power-on, power-on is maintained for the samereason as (5) during standby for remote play. Meanwhile, during remoteplay execution in the second power-saving mode, whether to maintainpower-on or switch over to power-off is determined in accordance withthe internal processing (aforementioned (1) to (15)) being executed bythe console main unit 10 through remote play. In other words, power-onis switched over to power-off in the cases of (1) to (10), and power-onis maintained in the cases of (11) to (15).

[Description of Timer Cancelation Requirements]

Timer cancellation requirements are requirements for clearing (cleartime kept until then and restart keeping time from zero) an internaltimer that is always keeping time when the console main unit 10 isexecuting power-saving management processing, and contents thereof aregiven in FIG. 7. Note that (1) to (5) given below of these timercancellation requirements are pre-included in the power-savingmanagement program. Moreover, in the following description, numberswithin parentheses are those given in FIG. 7.

As shown in FIG. 7, the timer cancellation requirements are (1)reception of a command signal corresponding to any of the operation keys87 from the controller 20, (2) change in detected value from the tiltsensor 84, (3) reception of a command signal from the keyboard/mouse,(4) detection of operation of the eject button of an external medium,(5) detection of insertion of an external medium, and (6) in the firstpower-saving mode or the second power-saving mode, continuation ofpower-on even if a predetermined time has elapsed without the timercancellation requirements (1) to (5) occurring even once while the poweris on. The requirements (1) to (3) are for when the user has operated anoperation terminal while the requirements (4) and (5) are for when theuser directly operates the console main unit 10. Note that (1) includesreception of a command signal corresponding to any one of the operationkeys from the portable terminal apparatus 120. In addition, (1) includeswhen rotation angle signals and tilting angle signals received from therotational operation parts have changed.

[Description of Power-Saving Management Processing]

The main CPU 64 of the console main unit 10 executes power-savingmanagement processing in conformity with a power-saving managementprogram stored in the main memory 65. The power-saving managementprocessing is executed both during power-off and power-on.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing power-saving management processingexecuted by the main CPU 64. The power-saving management processingbegins when the console main unit 10 changes to a power-saving mode, andit is executed repeatedly at every predetermined time during power-on.

When the power-saving management processing begins, begin time keepingby the internal timer, and determine whether the timer cancellationrequirements have occurred (step S1). If the timer cancellationrequirements have not occurred (No in step S1), determine whether thetime keeping of the internal timer has elapsed the predetermined time(set standby time) (step S2). Otherwise if the predetermined time hasnot been reached yet (No in step S2), conclude this processing. In otherwords, power-on is maintained until the state where the user is notoperating either an operation terminal or the console main unit 10 forat least the stored standby time.

If the time keeping of the internal timer reaches the predetermined time(Yes in step S2), determine whether the conditions for switching over topower-off are satisfied (step S3) according to set type of power-savingmode, each internal processing executed by the console main unit 10, andthe correspondences in FIG. 6. If it is determined that the conditionsfor switching over to power-off are satisfied (Yes in step S3), switchover to power-off (step S4), and conclude this processing.

If it is determined that the conditions for switching over to power-offare not satisfied in the processing of step S3 (No in step S3), resetthe internal timer, clear the time kept until then, restart keeping timefrom zero, and conclude the processing.

For example, in the case where the console main unit 10 is executing agame application (the internal processing (1) in FIG. 6), the storedstandby time is one hour, and the set power-saving mode is the secondpower-saving mode, and if the state where the user is not operatingeither the operation terminal or the console main unit 10 continues forat least one hour, the main CPU 64 switches the console main unit 10over to power-off. On the other hand, in the case where the console mainunit 10 is executing a game application (the internal processing (1) inFIG. 6), the stored standby time is one hour, and the set power-savingmode is the first power-saving mode, and even if the state where theuser is not operating either the operation terminal or the console mainunit 10 continues for at least one hour, the main CPU 64 keeps theconsole main unit 10 in power-on.

Moreover, if the timer cancellation requirements have occurred (Yes instep S1), reset the internal timer (step S6), clear the time kept untilthen, restart keeping time from zero, and conclude the processing.

As described above, according to the present invention, each user mayset the console main unit 10 to a desired power-saving mode by a simpleoperation input, thereby allowing execution of auto power-off on demandby individual users.

Note that with this embodiment, while types and contents of eachpower-saving mode are preset as shown in FIG. 6, a structure allowingtypes and contents (correspondences) to be appropriately changed by auser's operation input may be used.

The descriptions of the respective embodiments given above are merelyexamples. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to therespective embodiments given above, and it is needless to say thatvarious changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scopeof the present invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Various embodiments of the present invention are widely applicable tovarious uses, devices, apparatuses, systems, methods, applications,etc., including information processing units having an auto power-offfunction.

What is claimed is:
 1. An information processing unit having an autopower-off function, comprising: a mode setting means for setting onemode from a plurality of pre-prepared modes, wherein the pre-preparedmodes include a first power-saving mode and a second power-saving mode;a processing execution means for executing game application or contentsreplay as internal processing, wherein the contents include video, musicor slideshow; and a power controlling means for controlling power of theinformation processing unit, wherein the power controlling meanscontinues power-on in the first power-saving mode and changes topower-off in the second power-saving mode when a non-operated state inwhich no input operation has been carried out by the user has continuedfor a predetermined time or longer during execution of the internalprocessing.
 2. The information processing unit of claim 1, wherein thepower controlling means changes to power-off in the first and secondpower-saving modes when the non-operated state has continued for thepredetermined time or longer during pause of the contents replay.
 3. Theinformation processing unit of claim 1, wherein the pre-prepared modesinclude a non-power-saving mode, and the power controlling means is notconcerned with whether the non-operated state has continued for thepredetermined time or longer, but continues power-on in thenon-power-saving mode.
 4. The information processing unit of claim 1,wherein the mode setting means sets the one mode in conformity withinput by a user.
 5. The information processing unit of claim 1, whereinthe first power-saving mode and the second power-saving mode differ inelectricity consumption reduction effectiveness.
 6. A non-transitorystorage medium storing a computer program for power-saving management,wherein the computer program allows a computer to execute: a modesetting step of setting one mode from a plurality of pre-prepared modes,wherein the pre-prepared modes include a first power-saving mode and asecond power-saving mode; a processing execution step of executing gameapplication or contents replay as internal processing, wherein thecontents include video, music or slideshow; and a power controlling stepof controlling power of the information processing unit, wherein thepower controlling step continues power-on in the first power-saving modeand changes to power-off in the second power-saving mode when anon-operated state in which no input operation has been carried out bythe user has continued for a predetermined time or longer duringexecution of the internal processing.
 7. A power-saving managementmethod, comprising: a mode setting step of setting one mode from aplurality of pre-prepared modes, wherein the pre-prepare modes include afirst power-saving mode and a second power-saving mode; a processingexecution step of executing game application or contents replay asinternal processing, wherein the contents include video, music orslideshow; and a power controlling step of controlling power of theinformation processing unit, wherein the power controlling stepcontinues power-on in the first power-saving mode and changes topower-off in the second power-saving mode when a non-operated state inwhich no input operation has been carried out by the user has continuedfor a predetermined time or longer during execution of the internalprocessing.